3 Chicago Companies…it’s been an adventure!

Posted by tmcleod on May 2nd, 2010

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Its been such a wonderful ride over the last few months as I have had the chance to work with 3 fabulous companies from the West end, to Broadway, to my ” Tour Family”.  My job keeps me on my toes and I love it. I returned to the NY company in February after an amazing two months in London. I was greeted in NY once again by a stellar and vibrant group of people and I got the chance to work with Michelle Williams who always brings so much energy to the stage each and every night. And now I find myself in LA having rejoined the tour for a few weeks. Our Opening night in LA  was a hit with the cast as we found ourselves at the “W” hotel for our opening night party. Over the last few months I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the casts.  Each and everyone of them brought something new and exciting to the show on, and off stage.  So here are some of my highlight moments…enjoy:)

Journey to London’s “West End”

Posted by tmcleod on January 6th, 2010

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Greetings from LONDON,

The Cambridge theatre

About four weeks ago I was on my way to Cincinnati, and I received a phone call that would lead me in another wonderful and exciting direction with Chicago.  I was asked to join the West End company for the next two months. I was thrilled, excited, nervous and sad at the same time to leave the tour. A wonderful company whom I have been working and traveling with for the last year and a half.  On tour one develops a kinship with your fellow cast mates and there is an instant unification that occurs as everyone is away from their own families and friends. I was hesitant naturally, but I knew it was an opportunity to embrace and I am glad I took the plunge as it has been a fantastic ride so far.

I arrived a couple of weeks before Christmas and if there is one thing I can say about London at Christmas time…IT’S MAGICAL. I felt like I was in a Hans Christian Andersen storybook walking along the bustling lit up streets. With all it’s variety and history I had a hard time knowing where to begin with my arrival in London. The city is a collection of communities or villages very similar to that of New York. From the assortment of restaurants, to diverse cultures, to the lastest fashion trends to discovering the footsteps of Shakespeare, Dickens or Churchill.  One can journey along the Thames as Henry VIII did, and walk the grounds of the London tower or simply take a stroll in awe at the architecture of the Parliament buildings with the London eye in full view.

The list goes on, and here I am reveling in all that is around me and discovering the allure of the West End as well.

Christmas lights along Oxford Street

The London company have swept me off my feet. I am working with some very fine and inspiring talent from Ruthie Henshall( Roxy)  to Jasna Ivir (momma) Ian Kelse (Billy) to David Ganly,  A.Ellis and another striking group of Fosse dancers. They remind me of the “family” and “comaraderie” dynamic that I experienced with the National touring company.  I was welcomed with open arms. As a whole they are a delightful, dedicated and driven cast.  One thing I am getting such a kick out of are the various accents I hear backstage every night each.  I love how I can walk on stage and the ” american accent” is in play and the minute I am backstage I find myself conversing with a Scottsman, Irishman, Australian, Croatian, and various Englishmen and women.  From an outsider’s point of view I am in a “Thespian’s” haven.  I am on a mission to leave with at least having mastered a Scottish accent. As a MacLeod it is my duty. Hummmm, wish me luck:)

I have included some pictures of the festivities that have taken place over the holidays, and to introduce you all to some of my new players who keep me on my toes dancing, and singing every night.

Oh I almost forgot to mention that the pub at the corner of my street is called  ”The Spread Eagle”.  A little bit of Velma’ story wherever I go. How about that?

The Spread Eagle Pub

Christmas time with Jasna and Ruthie

Lovely Ladies Vivien, Ruthie and Lisa

Christmas Party with Wayne, Ashley, Lucy, Alexis and Pepe

Sunset with the London eye and Parliament in full view

Christmas time in Trafalgar square

Highlights from Tokyo and Beyond

Posted by tmcleod on November 3rd, 2009

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Hello again,

Ill say it again.  I LOVE JAPAN!

I continued to explore all that I could while I was in Tokyo and I moved beyond the city’s borders as well.

On our two days off I traveled to Kyoto where I found myself immersed into the old world of Japan so excellently preserved.  Wether it was walking through Kyoto or exploring the region outside of Tokyo known as Hakone (on another one of my days off) to see the grandeur of Mount Fuji I made sure I took in as much as I could.

I love how everyone took advantage of their time and took the opportunity to travel and explore. I thought for the next entry I would include “highlight moments” from some cast members.  So stay tuned. In the meantime here are some of my highlights from a day in Hakone and a trip to Kyoto. Enjoy and Ill be back with more.

Land of the Rising Sun

Posted by tmcleod on October 11th, 2009

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We have arrived!!!

Tokyo Billboard for Chicago

I speak for many when I say we are having a fantastic time here in Tokyo.

Press conference

Last week was challenging for everyone which we had all anticipated due to jet lag, lack of sleep or trying to adjust to the time change. However we all came through, and the audiences here have been so kind and welcoming. they carried us through. Kevin Richardson has joined our company and fits in perfectly with our dynamic as a cast.  Along with Kevin we have welcomed Kenya Osumi ( He was Fred Casely last year in the Japanese production of Chicago and has now joined our production for the Tokyo engagement) for the next three weeks .

Tokyo has such a unique vitality. The city is always buzzing, and at every corner or alley there is something to discover.  Which also leads to getting lost which I have managed to do on several occasions. It’s inevitable, but as my” Tokyo Frommer’s” guide has assured me even the Japanese get lost. So I embrace the adventure as I am one who is eager to explore the sights and sounds of Tokyo.  One of the fun things we did as a group in our first week was celebrate three birthdays. Mine, Kevin Richardson’s and Jesse Wildman’s at an ISAKAYA (  A Japanese style bar that also serves food and can be compared to what we know as a Tapas restaurant) and afterwards a few of us headed out to Roppongi ( A district best known for its nightlife with foreigners) for a night of dancing.

On our first day off I decided to go to a traditional Japanese bath( onsen) with some of my fellow cast members who had never experienced this amazing, relaxing and soothing ritual. This is how it works. You enter the changing room where you disrobe( men and woman are separated).  Hold a mini towel which has been provided for you in front of your vital parts and enter the bath area.  Along the walls there are little plastic stools and faucets where you wash and scrub yourself down with soap and shampoo that has been provided for you before submerging yourself into the various pools of saltwater to spring water to sulfur baths. The Onsen experience is so unique to Japan, and although it takes a few minutes to adjust to the idea that you will be bathing with other women naked, it is still by far one of my favorite things to do while I am here. Next time I’ll write about my experience with Shamika ( she is our “Kitty”) attempting to submerge herself in the “cold water” bath. That is a blog entry in itself. Laughed like crazy.

Lovely Bianca Marroquin with the Giant Buddha in Kamakura

Some of the other cast members spent a day at ” Tokyo Disney” as others ventured off to Kamakura a town outside of Tokyo with over 65 Buddhist temples and 19 shinto Shrines. Most of them were built centuries ago. A trip there is a sure way to step back in time to ancient Japan.  After one of our early shows a few cast members and crew caught a baseball game. The “Swallows versus the Tigers”. Fun times all around as our cast and crew are exploring all that Tokyo has to offer. I will continue to add more photos as I have requested people to send me some of their favorite ones thus far. A great way to document our journey here.  More to come.

Man in chair old Japan

A day at the Onsen in Odaiba

Birthday Trio. Terra, Kevin and Jesse

All the world is a stage as we welcome new players

Posted by tmcleod on September 29th, 2009

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Hi there! It’s been an exciting few weeks here at the Chicago tour as we welcomed Samantha in Greenville (our lovely Bianca Marroquin joined the Broadway company for a few a few weeks) Jerry Springer in Atlanta and Philadelphia, and Tom Hewitt in Buffalo.

Carol woods and Jerry

Each one of them brought another dimension to the show and their roles. As actors this continues to teach us to listen and be open to new possibilities within our show. I love it!

Samantha Harris was a joy to work with as her infectious positive energy lit up the stage.   Jerry springer was a great team player. A gracious and kind man who brought a real edge to the role and continued to crack us up with his many witty jokes.  And last but not least Tom Hewitt whom I had an absolute ball working with.  I have such great respect for his work and commitment to the role.  I could on and on about each one these individuals as each one of them brought their gifts to every performance.  Our time with them is always too short and hopefully our paths will cross again somewhere down the road.

Quick highlight about the cities we recently played.
Greenville…great wine bar called “stellar “on the main street.  Our cast was treated to a wonderful evening of wine and cheese.
Atlanta…the Georgia aquarium is a must see!!!!  I missed it the last time we played Atlanta.  The massive tanks hold an amazing array of fish and sea ” creatures”.  I walked away feeling like I entered and witnessed life in another world.

Jelly fish and Dan at the Georgia aquarium

Ashley taking in the tropical fish tank

Philadelphia is a vibrant and intimate city . For history fans this is a “must see” city. Especially those seeking information on the foundations of this country. I strolled everywhere. Some us decided to walk in Rocky Balboa’s footsteps  and found our way to the national museum. Remember in the movie when he runs up the stairs at the end of his workout? Yup…did it too!  We Love you Rocky!

Victory! Shawn and the "Rocky" statue . Philadelphia.

When in Buffalo on must indulge in the savory and hot pepper wings  at the “Anchor Bar” and  Badda Bings on Chippewa street.   DELICIOUS , SINFUL and TASTY to say the least.

When in Buffalo...indulge on wings! Kevin and I.

There is Niagara falls close by , and some of my fellow cast members found their way there on a day excursion.
Stay tuned as we are heading to the land of the rising sun.

Destination: TOKYO
We are buzzing with excitement and I am THRILLED to be going back.  I was there with the tour in 2007, but this time I get to share the experience on line and share our journey with you all.

Back on the road. First stop Kansas city, MO

Posted by tmcleod on August 21st, 2009

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Hello everyone! Welcome Back to life on the road with the National tour of “Chicago”. Im excited to be back blogging, and looking forward to sharing our stories and adventures. We have a great itinerary lined up this year and one of my personal favorite destinations is coming up in a couple of months.  Tokyo, Japan!  What an amazing city.

We started off the tour this week in Kansas city, MO at the beautiful and majestic outdoor “Starlight theatre”.  What a lovely group of people at the Starlight. Very welcoming and kind to all of us.

There is something to be said about performing outside under the stars on a warm summer evening.  Being able to see the audience for the first half of the show allows us to take them in even more.  But with being outside there are the elements of mother nature that one will encounter at some point such as bugs, thunder and lighting ( experienced that one night) and flying bats( truth be told no one can really see them as they nosedive backstage and sometimes I am convinced they come onstage to get a peek at the show ) .

It takes being open, having a good sense of humor and having a positive outlook to enjoy the experience.  We all did great.

getting back to the one show of rain,

The stage was completely covered so we were safe.  Luckily we didn’t experience blowing wind as I am convince the stage wold have become and ice rink, and for safety reasons we would have had to cancel.

The audience was AMAZING! real troupers. They stayed in their seats , soaked , but still cheering us on.

Its hard to describe the visual and I wish I had taken a picture, but as I looked out to a sea of colorful plastic hoodies I couldn’t help but giggle to myself and have a moment of gratitude.  Because the reality is we had a show that night because of the love people have for theatre.

Now I don’t have a particular love of bugs especially a HUGE one perched on my mirror.  You know the kind that you only see in hot humid environments? There is some part of me that wants to believe it purposely stayed there to watch me put my make up on because day after day it was always in the same place.  Perched and observing.

So on the 4th day I decided “ Okay enough is enough”. As I gently tried to push my “new found friend”  into a cup so that I could bring it outside it decided to counterattack. IT FLEW STRAIGHT INTO MY FACE!

Here’s the visual: A screaming Velma Kelly running out of her dressing room being chased by a HUGE BUG! arms flailing head shaking and no one in sight to help me or witness this event. HEEEELLLPPPPP,AAAAAHHHHH,EEEEEEKKKKK

You would have thought from my scream that I was being chase by a gorilla.

I literally hid behind the wardrobe gondola till I felt safe.

I dont know where it went, but once I calmed down I found my way back to my dressing room and I burst into laughter.  I may be able to act calm and collected on stage as miss Kelly, backstage that night was a whole other story.  Makes for good story telling that’s for sure.

So with all that said…did I have a good time in Kansas city? ABSOLUTELY!  a little bit of adventure never hurt anyone and made the experience all the more worthwhile.

“C’est Ca Le Jazz” Chicago Montreal style.

Posted by tmcleod on June 21st, 2009

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There is nothing like the feeling than getting the chance to open a show in your hometown.  Its been wonderful to be back in Montreal this week. I may sound biased, but it has been one of my favorite stops on the tour. Mais Oui!
On opening night some cast members from the Montreal and Paris company came to support and cheer us on. The theater was filled with energy, and It was so great to see both casts together afterwards.  I have very fond memories of my first ” Chicago cast ” and our experience overseas in France and Montreal.  It was a perfect Kodak moment so I took advantage and there you have it Voila…. Jazz hands everyone!

So the buzz amongst my cast members is Montreal is a hit! They are having a great time in this beautiful and exciting city as I have been fortunate enough to have some family time.
My family held a lunch for everyone and for one afternoon we all got together in my home, sat under the trees in my backyard and enjoyed a “Tuscan-style “ lunch.  The weather didn’t fully co- operate as it rained, but that didn’t stop us.  Rain or shine…we kept eating and enjoyed the day.  The light drizzle added to the intimacy of the afternoon.

A tuscan lunch Montreal style with the cast

We’re wrapping up our last show here tonight ,and I have no doubt that Montreal has left its mark on the cast.  With a Joie De Vivre ( translation: Joy of Living) and a European flare one can not walk away without a smile on their face and a feeling of wanting to come back.   I know for myseld I alway find my way back.
Its been a fantastic week.
Merci Montreal!!!

Pressed for Press Time

Posted by tmcleod on May 20th, 2009

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click on this link for Montreal Press for the upcoming shows in Montreal

Hello everyone,
“May” has been a quiet month as the tour has had a few weeks off.  So I decided to enjoy my time off and go home to Montreal.  It also allowed me to do some press for the upcoming shows in June both in Montreal and Ottawa.
I have been keeping busy getting the word out that Chicago is coming to town!  My hometown at that, and this is one proud Montreal.
About 10 various interviews were scheduled last week to promote the show. From Television, to radio, to newspapers. There I was “Starbucks” in hand from 7 :00 am till 5pm two days in a row back to back getting the word out.  What was fun , but at the same time challenging was that some of the interviews were in French as Montreal is a bilingual city.  Unfortunately I don’t get the chance to practice my French as often as I would like.  Although I was smiling from ear to ear and more than willing I was pretty nervous.  Let’s face it  It can be pretty intimidating trying to express yourself in another language.  But at least I have a better grasp on the French language unlike my broken English/sign language attempt at the Thai language. Remember my Bangkok blog?

Montreal is not only my hometown but also where  “Chicago” began for me. In the summer of 2003 the French version opened at “Place Des Arts” . I am very excited to bring the show with the national tour only this time in English.  With that said wether it be in French, English, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese you name it Chicago works . People from all over the world from different backgrounds love the show.  I can honestly say that.
I’m happy to do as much as I can because I am so proud of this work.  I know it may sound silly but I want to show everyone off.

I’ve included a link below of an article that came out over the week -end for those who may want brush up on their French or even for those who want to practice the the language of “ love”.

On a final note one thing I know to be true is that you can’t always believe what you read in the newspapers or hear on the radio. Its all perspective right?  but you can believe that Chicago is coming and it’s a show not to be missed.  I sound like I’m doing press don’t I?  But its true and I’m proud to say so on this sunny day with a smile on my face, a café, and a croissant in hand from my patio in beautiful Montreal.

CHICAGO In CHICAGO

Posted by tmcleod on April 2nd, 2009

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Hello everyone,
It seems like ages ago I was boarding the plane from Bangkok to Chicago.  Life on tour goes by so quickly, and before you know it you have played 3 other cities and a month has gone by.

In Chicago The cast welcomed John O’hurley , Charlotte D’amboise and Kevin Chamberlin.  It was a successful two weeks in the namesake city of our show .  My only complaint is I wish I had more time.

When in Chicago one becomes a tourist instantly. There is so much to see and do.  I took a trolley tour which focused on the cities highlights. The City skyline,

Magnificent mile,  Sears Tower and the John Hancock building to name a few. I also managed to steal a few hours to visit the ART INSTITUTE Of CHICAGO.
There is nothing like Degas and Van Gogh’s art up close however getting the chance to discover an artist or piece is what makes a visit to any museum so intriguing to me.  I found one by “Archibald John Motley, Jr” and  its called “Nightlife”.  Vibrant and colorful.  This painting stood out to me.  Check it out http://www.globalgallery.com/enlarge/025-34722/

Another highlight for me was getting the chance to be at a live taping of the Oprah Winfrey show.  We woke up at the crack of dawn got all dolled up and headed over to the studio for 7 am.  It was so worth it.  I am a huge fan so this was a special treat for me.  We love Oprah!

A trip to Chicago is not complete without hearing some live Music. So I ventured out and found this great place called ” the Redhead Piano Bar” . The Piano player/singer/I can sing any song you request was AMAZING ! From “Bon Jovi” to “Heart” to “Ella Fitzgerald” This entertainer sang and played everything! We had the best seats in the place as we hovered around the piano and sang along.

I could go on and on about Chicago . It is such a vibrant city with so much history, culture and diversity which makes it all the more appealing to me.  A return trip is a must and this time I will make sure to take in a few of the neighberhoods, the restaurants and the house of blues( still can’t believe I missed their famous Sunday gospel brunch) and that’s only to name a few.

Oh one more thing.  While I was on my trolley tour I just so happened to look up at the name of the street while we stopped at a red light.   It read ” Bob Fosse way” .  I later read that a length of Paulina street in Chicago at roughly 4400 north received the honorary designation of Bob Fosse Way. Unfortunately my camera fell while I was in Bangkok and so the resolution isn’t the best.  But Im glad I at least got a picture.  Made the trolley trip all the more unique and memorable.

Till next time.

Terra

My adventure with acupuncutre BANGKOK style

Posted by tmcleod on February 22nd, 2009

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Hello again,
Well well well I decided to be adventurous, and daring, and get acupunture from a Chinese doctor here in Bangkok. Mister Chang.  He works in the hospitals here and comes from Beijing.  I was very intrigued by his background.
I was alos under the impression that he knew some english. With my minimal thai/chinese and his  minimal english I figured we could get by.  hummm …I was wrong.
I informed him that I had been dancing quite a bit ( not literally, more like” Hello I dance…ummm…shake shake …umm kick.,,,split?? or Umm me dancing oh so much..you fix??”)

NOTE:For some reason I start to speak in broken english with an accent thinking its easier to understand.

Mr Chang looked at me and smiled,chuckled and grunted.  He pointed to a bed and signaled for me to lie down.  So I proceeded to lay on a bed as he inserted 10 needles in my back.
NOTE: OUCH!!!
Every time a needle went in I flinched. His assistant/secretary would instruct me” lady lady please relax relax relax, you must relax!” as she held my legs down.  For a minute there I was in a horror movie trying to relax.
I layed on that bed for an hour.  Fell asleep and then woke up with a crinked neck. Counterproductive.
After the hour Mr Chang came back and took the ten needles out ,and a tiny voice from behind the curtain which I think was his assistant/secretary said ” okay lady now its time for crack…you crack?? okay??” CRACK? what do you mean crack?

Translastion: a chiropractic adjustment.

So I sat there with my back to the doctor as he pulled and twisted my spine into place.
Now being the curious woman I am , I wanted to know what he felt in my back.  Was I out of alignment? Had I overworked it or maybe pulled a muscle? As a dancer I have to know these things right?
Mr Chang did not understand my question so he looked at his secretary/assistant
to which she replied” sorry our english not so good..maybe you go home and relax. Okay? okay! you feel good?? go now…bye bye”

So I started to head out with doctor Chang behind me and that’s when I saw them. A man and a woman sitting on a  couch in the lobby with needles in their face.  Their cheeks and chin to be exact.
Ever seen the movie Hellraiser??? Get the visual?  It looked like they had whiskers.Needles everywhere!! I was so curious to find out what they were being treated for.  Could this be the secret to eliminating fine lines? Dare I ask? As you can see I am not used to the world of acupuncture. Apparently its common.

I could tell Doctor Chang wanted to find a way to answer my ailing question. So he tried to get the woman with the needles in her cheeks to translate his chinese to my english. Poor woman her eyes almost jumped out of her head. I guess he assumed these patients of his spoke english and Chinese.
Ever see someone trying to speak with 20 needles in their face? and not even know your language? I winced just starring at her trying not to fixate on her needles and her bulging eyes.
There we were a Chinese doctor, a thai secretary, two locals( with temporary whiskers) and me.  All smiling trying to understand one another. I swear we were all probably thinking the same thing..is this real?I dont what was exchanged between them, but I did the polite thing. I smiled and started to head out. I thanked Mr Chang  “Oh feel soooooo good, no worry I go now …thank you..ummm yes.. thank you… bye bye” and I left.  I didnt look back, but Im sure they were smiling .  Probably went home that night and had a good laugh.

And that ladies and gentlemen concludes my visit to Mr chang and his magical needles.
I have to say I dont know what he did exactly to my back, but today I feel like a million bucks. Im dancing with such ease.
It is definately one of my more memorable experiences here.
We may not speak the same language, and we all come from different backgrounds, but one thing is for sure. We all understand a smile, a nod and a wink.
Thank you Mister Chang.

Terra

Somebody Better Come Get Me

Posted by rryan on February 20th, 2009

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Help!!!!!!!!! I am hooked on Bangkok…. After that Paradise Vacation Terra described (and she did not not exaggerate) I thought I had lived and gone to heaven. LOL  The next day we went to the Ancient Ruins. Talk about spiritual and beautiful.

Buildings and remnants of buildings,temples,churches,statues,carefully manicured and preserved grounds, trinkets, and souvenirs  and beautiful peaceful people. I am still a little dizzy from all the knowledge and history. I need another month here.. Hint Hint

In the midst of all this beauty and bliss, everywhere I went the people of this country gave me the thumbs up when they saw my shirt.  They LOVE I mean LOVE Barack Obama.. I was so proud for Obama, for myself, and for my country.

Okay now for the big fun and I mean BIG.. This was a hoot. I had ridden elephants before in Thailand but for some reason this was more fun. We had a BALL riding , petting, and just admiring these beautiful massive creatures.

Okay I am off to bed. Two more days here and I am going to try to get to the weekend markets tomorrow.  Yes I got it bad. I may blog again before we go, but if I don’t let me now say that this has been an awesome experience. I have been around the world and Iyayayayaya but each time it brings a bit of the child out in me. As I get older it gets better because I see things differently and have grown to enjoy being a bit of a tourist. I’m also a little more game for adventure but I must say, they almost lost me when the duck was served with the head on.. HOLLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The sights, the sounds, the decadence of Bangkok

Posted by tmcleod on February 18th, 2009

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Hello everyone,

I just came back from a most adventurous and fun filled day sightseeing in Thailand’s most honoured and holy sites. They are known as Bangkok’s most spectacular tourist attractions- and most obligatory sights.  But let me start by saying that our day off in Hua Hin at the Sofitel resort was exquisite!  It was paradise to say the least with my fellow castmates and  friends Michelle, Roz, kevin and Brent.  We swam, we walked the glorious grounds, we ate a delicious and cheap Thai dinner on a balcony overlooking the water. Michelle and I discovered Thai sticky rice with mango. Delicious.  It was a much needed day of rest well spent.  I wish I could see more of the coast and I hear the beaches in Thailand are some of the most beautiful in the world.

The Sofitel hotel in Hua Hin

One of the great things about walking through Bangkok is the possibility of stumbling upon a hidden world. One where you get lost in the sights and smells, and that is exactly what I did today with Kevin Steele.  We started our morning on the Chao Phraya river on a local ferry heading towards WAT PHO- (Reclining Buddha). However we got off at a stop that we thought would lead us to the flower market immediately.  Instad what we stumbled upon were the back alleys of  “PAK KHLONG MARKET”  known to be one of the cities largest wholesale vegetable and fruit markets. Huge baskets of exotic fruit to bundles of lemon grass and lime leaves to mountains of limes and oranges stacked one on top of the other.  Visually it was a feast for the eyes.

Orchids GaloreThe reclining buddhastillness

The reclining buddha

We turned a corner and there we found ourselves in a maze of flowers. There we were shaded by green umbrellas clustered like mushrooms in a world of flowers galore!  The endless piles of of delicate orchids, rows of roses and stacks of button carnations are a sight to be seen. Not to forget various hand made flower ornaments that you place as an offering to the temple of your choice. Or as one of our local guides told me” a good luck charm” if I place it on my pillow when I sleep. Hummm sounds wonderful.  What should I wish for tonight?

We continued on our walk towards WAT PHO.  The Temple of the Reclining buddha . The 45- metre- long statue depicts the buddha entering nirvana .  It is massive.  I had seen pictures, but still upon seeing it for the first time I couldn’t help but gasp.  WOW! It is made of plaster and finished in gold leaf that gives it a serene luminescence that keeps you looking, and looking , from different angles. BEAUTIFUL! If you have seen the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo Dicaprio you can see him walking by the reclining buddha.

The highlight of the day for me though was WAT PHRA KAEW the home to Thailands most sacred relic- The Emerald buddha and the country’s most stunning temple. Its glitters and sparkles.  It is the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand and hundreds pay their respect to it every day. Today I was one of those visitors.  It was hot today and at one point I had to take a seat and rest.  Across from me was a group of buddhist student monks.  They were sitting together and I found myself going towards them.  I took a seat beside one of them and he turned to smile at me.  It was such a docile look.  One of kindness and peace and maybe even curiosity.  kevin caught the moment on camera.  It was a special moment for me.  Two worlds, two complete opposite lives meeting at the same place. In the choas of Bangkok I found a moment of stillness at Wat Phra Kaew.

still ness

My cast is having a wonderful time and people are taking advantage of their free time and are venturing out to unravel the many layers that have yet to be discovered in this city.  Its chaotic, serene, peaceful, decadent and mysterious all at the same time. It would take weeks to see it all and even then I wonder if one would still have more to see.

You never know who will cross your path at any given time.  One minute Im “Velma Kelly” in Chicago and the next Im Terra sitting with a buddhist monk enjoying a moment of stillness and peace at WAT PHRA KAEW .  That in itself makes me smile and made my day.

Im off to bed as I just got in from the show and full day of walking. I am off to another adventure tomorrow.  What new things will I discover? I cant wait.

Terra

Loving Bangkok. Bangkok and The Cast of Chicago will never be the same!!!!

Posted by rryan on February 18th, 2009

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Hello Darlins,  Roz here, and yes I am back with yet another story to tell. Where do I begin? Lets start with Sunday night after the shows , (yup two of em everyday last week… we bad :-)) a group of us went to the night markets. I fed a very aggressive elephant, bought a beautiful pashmina, haggled with the merchants for some cute trinkets for the family at home. I am typing fast to get to Monday. The first real off day, every one in the cast and crew had plans and were about to spread out all over Thailand. At 8:30 am we meet in the lobby (Terra, Michelle, Kevin, Brent, and Myself) for an adventure. We hired a van and 3 hours later we arrive at Paradise. The Sofitel Centara Grand Resorts and Villas, Hau Hin  in Prachaub-khirikhan Thailand. And GRAND it is…This place just oooozes elegance. The service, the pools, the beach, the lovely charming people. When we arrived we were greeted with iced lemongrass tea and a royal welcome. By the way the Ambassadors wife arranged this. We were taken to our Suites and dropped our bags and hit the beach and the pool. After a lovely swim a few cocktails and lots of laughter and fun we changed and went to the night markets, did a little shopping and settled on the water at a wonderful restaurant for dinner.  Now I am not sure if I mentioned the currency here is called Baht. The current exchange rate is about 34-36 Baht to the dollar. As you can imagine things here are reasonable to say the least. I remember Michelle saying after dinner that her meal cost $7. The food was fabulous. After dinner we all went to get 1 hour foot massages for 300 Baht. U do the math LOL. I have had a massage almost everyday since I have been here. The next day we headed back to Bangkok to get ready for work. Talking about needing a vacation from your one day vacation… Sun and beach whipped we served up an exciting dose of “Chicago The Musical” to a very enthusiastic and appreciati crowd. Backstage we exchanged stories of our wonderful day in various areas of Thailand which leads us to today. Everyone showed up at breakfast and broke off into groups to explore more of Bangkok.  Me? I had breakfast, I swam and sunned for a couple of hours and went to Fed Ex to get some boxes to ship some things home because the airlines will not  allow me to take all this stuff back without taking all my pay from this trip. Hahahahahahaha So I am packing and singing and chillaxin and loving my life… More later… Photos?  Uh Yeah!!!!!

More photos to come…. BRB

CHICAGO ROCKS IN BANGKOK………

Posted by rryan on February 14th, 2009

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Shamika Benn & Roz Ryan

Okay My Darlings. I must let you know the reason you have not heard from Terra and Myself, (or as they like to call me “Herself”) What had happened was, we are having a marathon of shows this week, 8 shows in 4 days. Don’t try this at home Sweeties. It is brutal, but the audiences here  make it all worthwhile. The smiles and standing ovations say it all.  It may be hard to get to the building but once those lights come on and that trumpet blares, well lets just say “It’s ON”.. Anyway we are rounding the corner tomorrow with the last of the two show days until next week, Sunday. 

Okay up to now we have had wonderful breakfast in this fabulous hotel, gone to the night markets and put a dent in the credit cards.. Trekked on the Subway and sky trains, ventured out into the smoggy but exciting streets and laid around the pool with lovely cocktails.

Opening night was a blast. These folk know how to throw a party. Loud music, flowing cocktails, happy fans, exotic food and friendly faces wanting to know all about broadway.My friend Loni berry lives here and was at the party. Take a look at what Loni wrote the other day. And it’s not just because he’s my friend. He really loved the show.

Anyhoo I must get my rest because we do have to hit it in the morning. Ohhh but Monday… Whew come Monday.. Well Party Time… I’ll Holla

Smooches, Roz

Loni Berry wrote at 6:49am Bangkok’s theatre elite waited with bated breath for Thursday’s opening of Chicago. The show exceeded expectations, as the after-show buzz was more intense than that of a bee farm. Roz Ryan confirmed – with pristine clarity - that she has no intention of relinquishing her position on the Council of Grand Divas. As Ms. Ryan sang, her talent and experience screamed. I suspect Chicago and Ms. Ryan will be topics of conversation at many a social gathering for some time to come. NUFF SAID….. R ROZ RYAN

Opening Night Bangkok Style

Posted by tmcleod on February 14th, 2009

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Hello ,

I am in between shows, its Saturday and wanted to post a few photos from Opening night.  It was a lovely evening and the show was very well received.  What a thrill it is taking this show to foreign countries where they get to experience ” Chicago” . We are now in our “week-end “of shows and everyone is holding up very well given the time change and jet lag.   I think we are all very excited about the upcoming week where we will have time to explore the city and venture out.  Till then…Ill keep you all posted.

Ciao for now

Terra

Visiting the Thailand Ambassador’s House…

Posted by rryan on February 12th, 2009

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Hello everyone,

It’s late and Mama is going to BED!  Opening night in Bangkok was quite interesting, to say the least!  I’ll vamp tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, here’s a couple of pics from our amazing visit to the Ambassador’s House this afternoon.  Enjoy!

Smooches,

Mama

Day 1 in the land of a million smiles and Tuk Tuks!

Posted by tmcleod on February 11th, 2009

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Hello,

Terra and Roz at High Tea in Bangkok

We are here! I don’t know what time zone I am in anymore, but I do know its midnight Bangkok time. I had a wonderful fun filled day.

I started this morning with my fellow castmate and friend Michelle Dejean.  We decided to venture out and see a few things close by.  Before I knew it, we had found ourselves seated in a Tuk Tuk. ( like motorised rickshaws) Let me explain what these are exactly. They are used by Thais for short hops not worth paying full taxi fare.  For Foreigners, however, these emphysema-inducing machines are notorious for taking little” detours” to commission-paying gems and silk shops.  There we were going all over the city thinking we were off to a local market where they have “special prices today only for us” . Only to find ourselves dropped off at a local jewel shop. Huh? what happened to my market with special prices?  Oh, I had read about things like this happening and to be aware.  In fact I swore to myself this would not happen to me.  Oh no I had read the travel books.  I knew better.  Hummmm……How could I have not seen this coming all along? An adventure to say the least. However ,I ended up leaving there with a pair of ruby studs for my niece. Michelle and I shared many laughs along the way which made it  all the more worthwhile.

Then on to the US Ambassadors home for “high tea” where we were received with with open arms and a very warm welcome from the Ambassadors family and Thai press.  It was a lovely event.  A beautiful home with lush surroundings. In one afternoon I met the Ambassador of Argentina, Hungary, Korea and the United States.  Now that isn’t something that happens everyday.  It was an honor to be there.

Then back to the hotel to change and venture out to one of the famous night markets.   This is Roz’s turf.  Now here’s a woman who knows how to get a good deal when she see’s it. You name the watch, the purse, the designer sunglasses to the latest t-shirt craze.  She will find you the best deal.  I need to learn a few things from Roz.  She is right in her element.  Just being at a market with her is a highlight.

Tomorrow we start work.  Im looking forward to getting settled into the theatre.  It was so nice to have a day to get adjusted and get a chance to see some of the city.

Word to the wise. If you see a friendly local coming your way offering you directions and sweet conversation be prepared for a Tuk Tuk driver waiting on the corner to take you on a little ride.  They work together you see. Then again you never know what treasures you may find.  Look at me I found some ruby’s.

Good night for now,

smiling as I write this.

till next time

Terra

Bangkok Get Ready

Posted by rryan on February 10th, 2009

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Terra and me on the plane .... 29 hours!

Hello My Darlings,

We are here.. 29 hours on the plane. Everyone survived. We are beside ourselves with excitement. The hotel is awesome. I slept like a 2 yr. old.. Speaking of which we met this adorable 2 yr. old in the  L.A. airport,  or was it Japan? Oh well a airport is a airport. He was so adorable we almost stole him. His name is Ariel.  (Photo below)  The travel was long and interesting and very comfortable, but not for the weak. LOL….

This Mornings Breakfast was a most unbelievable experience. The spread would have satisfied even the picky eaters.  

This afternoon we are being received by the Ambassador. I’ve done this before in Portugal, Morocco,  and Israel. It is a wonderful experience and quite a honor.

Some folk have gone shopping. Now anyone that knows me knows I have a black belt in shopping, but I need to partake of some of this sun and chlorine before I get my shop on.  BUT… don’t  get it twisted. There will be some “SHOPPING ROZ STYLE”  going on up in through here. Oh yes Darlings, Credit Cards? I can bend ‘em like Beckman. 

Okay off to do my Aqua Woman thing. We are also researching a SCUBA Diving site and I’m still looking for the Elephant rides. They may be a bit too far away for this trip.. I’ll keep you posted….

Photos to come.

Holla, Roz AKA MaMa Morton

airport baby Ariel with our boys...

Getting excited!

Posted by tmcleod on February 7th, 2009

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Hello everyone,

Greetings from Terra aka Velma kelly

How excited am I????? VERY! I have never been to Bangkok or Thailand before, and have always wanted to go.  I am so passionate about traveling.   From the adventure to the unknown to the different people we will meet to the new audiences to the culture…oh I can go on and on.   In a couple of days we will be heading to Bangkok.  I am so proud to be a part of this experience for so many different reasons.  I have had the opportunity of bringing Chicago not only through the USA and Canada with the tour, but to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Taiwan, Tokyo, Paris, Montreal, and now Thailand! WOW!!! I’m very fortunate, and I’m going to make the most of it!  Its amazing seeing how this show works no matter where you are in the world.   The audiences welcome it with open arms, and are very excited, and enthusiastic.  If there is one part of my job that I love most …this is it.  Traveling and sharing  with various cultures,  and people from all over the world.

Having been asked to blog alongside my costar and dear friend Roz Ryan is an extra bonus too. We have so much fun together .  I look forward to filling everyone in on our adventures overseas.  I know its going to be quite the experience for all of us here.  Its a wonderful cast and crew and we are all very excited, and I’m thrilled I will get to share it with you all back home.

Till next time…

Terra

“Chicago The Musical” Bangkok 2009 HOT DAYUM

Posted by rryan on February 6th, 2009

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Roz Ryan and Terra MacLeod

Hi Darlings,  Roz Ryan here AKA Matron Mama Morton, On tour with “Chicago The Musical” …. Sitting in the hotel in Denver staring at my suitcase trying to figure out what to take to Bangkok Thailand on Monday. I’ve been there before so I know there is so much to do there. Last time I was there we rafted down the Mai Kong River, Road Elephants, and  I  hyperventilated in the Gem Factory. (I loves some jewels)  The weather there is 90 degrees,  humid and sweltering. I lived in Florida for 13 years so who cares? It’s Bangkok!!!  What a privilege to be going back, especially with “Chicago The Musical” This show is so hot the tempature may rise a few more degrees. We are having a great time in Denver but you can feel the anticipation backstage.  We had a fun meeting last night about the rules of the road. Very important an although this company consist of some of the most dedicated and professional people I’ve met in a long time, we are still representing our wonderful country. 

 My lovely co-worker and dearest friend Terra MacLeod and I will be filling you in on all the excitement, thrills and adventure as we go along. 

Oh I’m new to the blogging but I am a geek so it will get better as we get in there and start to

“Paint The Town, And All That Jazz”

Smooches RR (Mama)

Passionate Causes

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 12th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

The environmental decline is a major issue. It is probably the single most important issue today. The lack of acceptance of responsibility will kill us all. Everyone has to do something.

Currently I am working on putting on Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People”. Even though it was written in 1882, it might as well have been written today, in America, about this time, about this government.

It is the story of Dr. Stockmann, a popular doctor in a small town in coastal Norway. He and his brother develop an idea to create medicinal hot spring baths, thereby turning the town into a major tourist attraction and the whole town is thrilled at the potential prosperity this will bring. But the doctor soon learns that these baths are poisonous and contaminated with waste from the local tannery. They are making people sick. When he speaks out, every last person turns against him. He is not only shunned but vilified and treated as a lunatic. But he perseveres, challenging the establishment.

We all have to be Dr. Stockmann. These days it can’t be just a few voices, it has to be everyone.

What is happening in the world…

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 11th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

What is happening in the world keeps me awake at night. I am angry at Bush for what he has done to America and the world. There is neither logic nor compassion there. I have so many questions to ask the government. Why do we pay our farmers not to grow crops when there are people starving in the world? Why are our troops in Iraq and not Darfur where they could be saving lives? When is this country going to stop living on money borrowed from other nations? When are we going to stop destroying the ecosystems that give us life? Do we not care about our future and the future of the world?

Looking For New Projects

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 7th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I look for projects that tell a story about humanity. Stories with characters that draw you in, that bring you in so deeply that you become a part of their struggle. Sometimes the most important and genuine thing you can do for an audience member is just to play their fantasies out before them, right or wrong. Give them a mirror, a space to play out their all their “what ifs?”

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for an audience is to give them a chance to breathe, to make them laugh, to rejuvenate them with the strength to face their individual struggles after the show is over. But these are critical times. More and more, we need art and theater that corresponds to the circumstances.

We are in a unique time in human history. The world appears to be falling apart around us. What makes a story work is the same as it has always been, but the need to awaken people to what is going on in the world grows every day.

The Lives of Others

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 6th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I saw the most incredible film several weeks ago called The Lives of Others. It is the story of an East German Stassi officer who is assigned to spy on a playwright. He is instructed to find a reason to imprison him, so the officer bugs his home and sets up round-the-clock surveillance. He watches the life the playwright has with his beautiful actress girlfriend and his circle of literary friends. He watches this man’s struggle, his battle for integrity and creative fulfillment under often very difficult circumstances. The officer becomes intimate with even the most secret details of this man’s life, and it changes him completely.

I was moved by this story. I thought it was the perfect metaphor for great theater. As an audience, we become secretly intimate with the details of some people’s lives and through this discovery there is a hope that we can be transformed into something beyond anything we imagined.

Art

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 5th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I am emphatic about art and many types of art work. I love paintings and sculptures. I see that good art also tells a story, but perhaps a more delicate and ephemeral sort.

I recently bought the most beautiful painting by Claudio Bravo. He is a contemporary realist painter whose work I love. It is a stunning painting of green silk, which tells a story about light and perception. It is very intriguing. What is this silk doing there? Has it been abandoned, discarded? Is it what was left after an undressing? Will it be the gown of some lovely woman?

Alex Katz, another favorite of mine, paints women. He paints women that you want to live with; want to know them and know about them. They are frozen in a moment - usually of reflection. I see them and want to know what happened just a moment before, and just a moment after. Its amazing, it never gets old.

Sculpture has a way of drawing you in. It makes you want to walk to the other side of it, and around it. You want to see it from all angles so you don’t miss anything.

Constant Self-Education

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 4th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I am inspired by the artistic passion of those who never stop learning, those who understand that excellence is not a place at which one arrives, but the way in which one travels. It is an appetite never sated.

Al Pacino is one of our greatest actors. One of his gifts is his passion for learning, his relentless curiosity and his hunger for mastery. When my production of Othello was playing, Christopher Plummer starred as a supreme Iago. Everyone talked about it. But Al Pacino did more than that. Al was there. Several times a week, he would show up in the back of the theater to watch the famed scene that ends Act One. He would stand in the back of the theater, in the dark, just watching, just taking it in.

And that’s how you do it. You watch. You study. You learn. You never stop. You raise the bar higher, every night, every time. The moment you stop, you begin to fade.

The Daily Aim

Posted by Barry Weissler on February 1st, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Every morning I wake up in anticipatory excitement. And so, every morning when I wake up, I lay in bed mentally visualizing all that I will need to do that day. I picture my day down to the smallest detail.

Although I have all the important appointments written in my calendar, I need to see everything in my mind’s eye. I know if I have a casting problem, I need to think about the people I will call to fix it. I think about my work and parse it out. This gives me a sense of order and ritual.

I am always setting higher goals for myself. It’s what keeps me young. I never stop. I am an order-maker in the center of a storm of chaos.

Without a high level of energy, everything I work on would fall apart. I have to be at the top of my game every single day. Exercise keeps the mental process keen, so I go to the gym every day. People who call me between the hours of eight and ten know that there is a chance that they will get the exercise version of me; breathy on a stationary bike. Yoga is also of great benefit because it helps the mind and body very directly.

The health of the mind is a priority. There are many ways to do this. I try to keep myself learning all the time, studying areas of knowledge outside the one of my immediate interest, theater. Learning foreign languages, exploring literature, art and music are all crucial activities for one involved in theater. Sometimes to solve a difficult problem, I need to wander around the Museum of Modern Art. It keeps my mentality fluid.

But the most important activity of the mind is a simple one. Stay open and involved. Be open and interested in the people around. Stay aware of what is going on in the world at large. No man is an island and we must know what is going on around us.

Spinach

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 31st, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Today’s story is about spinach. Well, not exactly spinach, but spinach and Anthony Quinn and his ex-Italian wife, Jolanda.

It was a cold winter in Canada during a blizzard. We were playing Zorba in Toronto and it was a huge success. Anthony Quinn was starring in it. People were treating Tony like royalty.

One day after a show we were invited by a Greek restaurateur to eat at his restaurant in honor of Tony’s wonderful performance. I had expected that it would be a lovely evening and quiet in the company of Fran, Jolanda, Tony and the gentleman who invited us.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were ushered to the top floor, a private dining hall that to our surprise, was filled with people. Tony was tired and very unhappy about the crowd that immediately swallowed him.

After a time, we were seated at four long tables connected to make a giant hollow square. The tables were spilling over with every dish imaginable, except for spinach, Jolanda’s only request. “I want speenach!” she kept saying in her European accent. The waiters scrambled around trying to get her “speenach.”

Everyone sat there, quiet, staring at Tony, watching him chew every bite as he grew more and more annoyed. The food was practically piled to the ceiling. Jolanda again asked about her “speenach.” She only wants “speenach”. As Tony is turning red, fuming at all the people touching and picking at him, the noise and tension growing, he holds his utensils with white fists.

At that moment the owner of the restaurant jumps into the space inside the tables and begins to play spoons. At the end of the performance, the Greek man tries to give Tony a bear hug and Tony pushes him away. It turns into a shouting shoving match.

They are ready to kill each other and I can’t have my star injured, so I get between these two giants 6’6” and 6’ 4”, and I push them apart screaming. I grab Tony and Jolanda and we go downstairs. It’s still snowing so hard that we are forced to stay in the restaurant.

We retreat to a quiet table on the first floor where we order drinks. The maitre d’ comes up to the table and says, “Nice to see you again!” directly to Tony. Tony says, “I don’t know you.” The maitre d’ says, “Oh yes, don’t you remember?” Tony says “No.” The maitre d’ replies, “Oh yes, of course you do. Hold on.” The maitre d’ returns with a photo album of the restaurant and opens to a photo of Anthony Quinn, and indeed it is him. But he is not alone. He is at a table kissing Ingrid Bergman! Jolanda explodes. She pounds her fists on him as he runs out the door. She runs right after him. They take off through the blizzard with Fran and me right behind them and behind us, the small voice of the waiter shouting, “Lady! Lady! I have your speenach!”

The Opinions of People

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 30th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Kelly Osbourne has a great sense of humor. So do I. I can be insulted in the papers and laugh about it. She transformed herself into one very sexy Mama Morton for her role in CHICAGO. After the photos came out, it seemed every website had another opinion about how much digital manipulation there was in those images to shrink her waist or slim her face. Yes, she looked that good. And she took this disbelief with good humor.

There will never be a shortage of opinions in the world, and everyone is entitled to theirs. When an activity or creation gets large enough, it naturally attracts all kinds of reactions. If there is no variety among the reactions, then the project was not big enough or was not received by a wide audience. A project is big enough when it pleases some and offends others.

I am used to reading all kinds of things written about me. Sometimes, I feel as if the reviewer really gets what I do, and other times I am misunderstood. The entire trajectory of my decision making process is misinterpreted.

More often than not, a critic’s reviews will reveal more about the critic then it does about me. One of my all time favorite reviewers is Ben Brantely of the New York Times. He can give my shows or casting great reviews or poor ones, but underneath it he seems to live in a state of perpetual surprise and shock at what he calls my “bottomless brazenness.”

I see this average spectacled man lurking in the corners of lobbies of the shows he reviews. He spends his life in the stands, judging those on the court. He is very intelligent and has a reverence for theater that almost seems out of place. It is if theater was something so pure that even an audience could defile it by laughing or crying at the wrong time or witnessing it in the wrong way.

Not too long ago, he wrote about seeing that ad campaign for CHICAGO on the London underground. It was the one with Kelly Osbourne looking amazing. Somehow he took offense at the idea of Kelly Osbourne playing Mama Morton. First thing upon returning to NY, he has something to say about my old productions of Grease. I feel like he must travel around the world thinking about me. It’s strangely flattering to have someone so invested in your work that they comment on everything you do.

In show business, the worst thing that can happen to you is that you are forgotten. Ben Brantley single-handedly ensures that America never ever forgets me. And for this, I thank him. Besides, there are worse things to be derided for than brazenness.

Britney Hope Valentine

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 29th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Last year we were in talks with Britney Spears to star in Sweet Charity. In order to have a serious conversation about this, we had to fly her into New York. Flying Britney Spears into New York doesn’t mean just booking her a ticket. It means flying and accommodating her, two sets of parents, kids, nannies etc. So we talk, and I see she doesn’t have to play Charity Hope Valentine, she IS Charity Hope Valentine. She is a sweet girl who just wants love and keeps on picking the wrong guy. She is hopeful, sensitive, and still a kid trying very hard to grow up. At the end of the day she decided she wouldn’t do the show because it would mean being away from Kevin. Could you imagine Charity doing anything else?

Ushering in Chicago’s 10th Year

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 28th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

For the 10th Anniversary of Chicago, we needed a very special Billy Flynn: someone to reintroduce our show to a whole new generation of audience members. Usher was hot. He was riding high after the release of the Confessions album and sold-out tour. You saw him in every magazine and his songs were playing in all the clubs. Everyone told me there was no way at the top of his game he would put everything on hold and come to Broadway. I took a shot and it paid off. As it turned out, Usher is a huge fan of Bob Fosse, his godfather is Ben Vereen and he had always wanted to come to Broadway.

Now came the hard part. We had a huge international star. Usher grew up in the public eye in a culture obsessed with celebrity where the media feeds off of their successes and, even more so, their failures. Under constant scrutiny, it is no wonder many stars are so defensive, untrusting and suspicious. Usher is a perfectionist. He is a real artist in every sense of the word. He wanted creative input and control on every level, truly wanting to make this role his own. It certainly made my job more difficult.

But in the end, it was all worth it. Usher transcended his celebrity and became Billy Flynn. In addition, he transformed our audience. We saw younger and more diverse theatergoers filling the seats at the Ambassador. The excitement in the air was palpable. And outside the theatre was pandemonium. I had to hire extra security, block off the street, and put up police barricades! Fans who couldn’t get a ticket would wait outside during the show, singing Usher’s songs, waiting to get a glimpse of their idol.

Chicago Beauties

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 25th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

When it came time to decide on an advertising campaign for Chicago, it couldn’t have been easier. The story moved me, and I felt such an excitement and passion for it. The whole thing was a turn on. I couldn’t wait for audiences to see it. I wanted my enthusiasm to break through the billboards and ads. The photo shoot was crucial. What makes this Chicago so bold and sexy? What makes it smolder? This production works because there is an absolute dramatic focus on the characters. The strong and powerful women are the core of the show.

No ornaments, no distractions, no excess colors. Just these women.

It reminded me of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was fashionable without being so trendy as to feel dated by tomorrow afternoon. I told the photographer what I wanted. I said, “Make it dangerous, sexual and fashionable.”
He took it one step further. He heard me and he delivered!

You could neither miss nor avoid the giant dramatic beauties on the Broadway billboard that year.

“In This Town, Murder is Form of Entertainment.”

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 24th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

What made our 1996 revival production more successful than the original 1975 version? While I would love to accept full responsibility for the phenomenon that our revival has become, I know that as with most things, timing was everything. For nearly two years prior to our opening, America and the world had become enthralled with the OJ Simpson murder trial. Millions and millions of people around the world sat glued to their television screens as the entire story unfolded broadcast live and in color for their viewing pleasure. In Chicago, Matron Mama Morton tells Roxie, “In this town, murder is a form of entertainment.” That concept resonated with every member of the audience who came to see our show. They were living it. The same day opening remarks were made in the civil trial, we were having our first preview!

Chicago satirizes this twisted world of entertainment. The show continues to be a success in New York and around the world because, eleven years later, our culture has become more voyeuristic and celebrity obsessed. Reality television dominates the ratings, gossip magazines and websites flourish, and we have a whole generation of stars who are famous for being infamous. In the end, that’s all they need to fit Roxie Hart’s definition of celebrity: “Somebody everyone knows.” It is a case of art imitating life. Just substitute Velma and Roxie with Paris and Nicole and trade in Chicago’s Cook County jail for Promises rehab facility…actually in this case, the LA jail would work too.

And low and behold, who’s back in the news today. With a controversial new book and another arrest, the world, ready or not, is being served another glass of OJ. It makes Chicago’s message even more relevant. OJ and other celebrities feel as if they are above the law. Whether breaking into hotel rooms or driving drunk and without a license, these celebrities don’t seem to feel that they can and should be held accountable for their actions. No matter how deplorable or offensive those actions, at least they’ll get their name in the papers. You get a sense that each one of them craves the attention and publicity. Maybe it’s because none of them “got enough love in their childhood.” Oh well, “that’s showbiz kid!”

Rediscovering Chicago

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 23rd, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I always loved Chicago. It has a razor sharp spirit. I had been looking for a way to present it that was as brave as the story itself. I hadn’t seen it since 1975, and Chicago was one of the many great musicals relegated to the proverbial back shelf where it laid gathering dust. Strange, because the work itself was (and is) more pertinent than ever.

All around the world we see that justice is rarely just; that the rich and beautiful can get away with anything. The culture of celebrity has only become more hysterical and more global. We all are familiar with corruption. I knew Chicago would speak to people again and was worth reinvestigating.

The production in 1975 felt cartoon-like. It needed to be stripped down and tightly focused. I saw it at Encores, a retirement home for old musicals. It was done in a deconstructed minimalist way: bare and brave, right in the lap of the audience. I saw it and said to myself, “This is it.” That was ten years ago.

Producing

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 22nd, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

More than anything else, my job is about putting people together, and in the theater world this often is a little like building a family. It takes years of practice to do this well. You have to learn through years of work and testing to see what kind of person is good for what role. Of course, it is important to see their body of work, but that’s not enough. I must know what they stand for, and the chemistry between all the people must be right. For the life span of the project, we form a small society. And for the time we are together we are a kind of family. The bond that forms often outlives the project itself and comes to inform future endeavors.

As a producer, one is accountable for the family; keeping all the threads together, guiding and nurturing towards mutual goals. Nothing good comes out of pressure and even persuasion must be benevolent.

All of my hiring mistakes occurred when I hired by people for their reputations alone. You must know what you are dealing with. That is why it’s really best if you have grown together.

The Great Story

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 18th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

People ask me how I choose my projects. Is it instinct or knowledge? It’s gut instinct but if truth be known, this gut instinct comes from knowledge and experience. It takes years and years of work to hone the instincts. They do not come out of the air. They are impulses preset by what we learn. But instinct or no, anyone knows a great story from a weak one.

A great story is easy to recognize, yet hard to describe. In a great story you learn, and you get involved. These great stories are often character driven, but perhaps more importantly, they are idea driven. These great stories live in every part of life.

It can be in any of the arts. In theater, literature, music, dance, even the visual arts. A painting is a story that is more than just the subject of the painting. I saw a painting of Claudio Bravo’s recently. It was a painting of green silk. His technique has such a quality that it opens the imagination and makes me think of ideas. Great sculpture draws you in. You want to walk around it. You want to see it from all angles so you don’t miss anything.

Good theater must never be a demonstration. It must be a revelation. Great artists and directors understand this. The painter’s work is never just about the subject of the painting. Neither the painter nor great director will simply display. They let the wall between the audience and the stage or canvas dissolve. This takes courage and enormous self-confidence.

Bobby in Catholic School

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 17th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Robert DeNiro was one of the first actors we hired when Fran and I began producing shows for Catholic schools in New Jersey. We hired him for $60 a week and for an extra $10, he helped us carry the sets. That’s what it was like in those days. We were all starting from scratch.

We were doing Chekov’s “The Bear” at a high school in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey, when Bobby informs me that he got a part in a Brian DePalma film, “Greetings”. But it conflicts with the show schedule. We were doing two shows a day and had no understudies, so of course we couldn’t lose him. Film? What the hell? He got Brian to shoot the scenes for “Greetings” around our school show schedule. We were so young then, with no idea what lay in store for all of us.

Nothing Harder Than High School

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 16th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

People ask me how Fran and I learned to produce. My answer is always the same: you learn by doing. You learn as you go. Fran and I produced plays for children. We went to Catholic high schools, one after the other, sometimes to as many as eight a day. Can you imagine? A Jewish couple going to convents and monasteries proposing plays to nuns and priests, sometimes with seven or eight appointments a day? We just did what we loved.

We produced Tom Sawyer, Swiss Family Robinson, Shakespeare and Arthur Miller.
In retrospect, we couldn’t have invented better training. Can you imagine what it takes to keep a kid interested in Shakespeare? And children don’t lie. They don’t pretend to like things because they think it makes them look good. They are either into it or they are not. Once they’re bored, you’ve lost. There is no way around it. There’s no getting them back.

I remember once we were in a school in New Jersey putting on Shakespeare. This little doll-faced girl came up to me and asked, “What period is this play?” I was so impressed, I was so taken back that I had to search my mind. I said, “16th Century?” She replied, “No, silly! I mean is it 3rd period, 4th period or 5th period?” See, truly a tough crowd.

Bobby’s Rolls

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 15th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

Another thing I have learned is that people rarely become successful alone. It often happens in groups. Monet, Manet, and Renoir were all friends. They sat in cafes together dreaming, drinking absinthe, discussing and passionately arguing the details of composition or of how to paint light.

At first I decided to become an actor. I studied with Stella Alder. My parents were furious. They cut me off. They couldn’t understand that someone could consider the theater as a career, much less their only son. I suffered over this, but it only made me more determined.

In those days, Robert DeNiro was in school with me. He and I practiced scenes and ran lines together. If it wasn’t for Bobby, who knows what would have happened? When my parents cut me off, Bobby kept me alive. He befriended me and every morning he bought me a coffee and buttered roll. That was my daily bread and I lived on that for a time.

But that was also what I loved about the theater: the community; the sense of support and feeling of being in it together. Theater people get each other. Every actor and director knows well that slump that hits them after a show closes. It’s like a small death. The characters and their worlds simply vanish without a trace. That is why so many of us, even in the most difficult times, simply cannot stop. The only balm for the wound is the question, “What’s next?”

The Beginning

Posted by Barry Weissler on January 14th, 2008

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Originally published on Yahoo! Broadway

I woke up one morning in the 1960’s totally lost. I was in college. I wanted to be an athlete. I dreamt about bullfighting, about being a matador (not every urban Jewish boys dream). I wanted a passionate life, an exciting life. I wanted to play football on my college team but I was too light. There was no place for me on the college football team. To top it all off I was nearly failing my freshman year classes. I remember the day well. It was spring break and I was wandering the empty campus in despair. What was I to do with my life?

After a long while, I wandered into a barn-like building I had never been to before. It was the college theater. The students there were rehearsing Measure for Measure. It was a new experience for me. A new feeling. I walked into the warm, dimly-lit atmosphere. It was home. That moment was the beginning of my education. Up until that point, school had little meaning. Up until that point, I didn’t see much reason for all the things I was supposed to do. Now I had a context. Seven days a week, I was in the school library reading stories and plays. I went from failing all my classes to the top of the Dean’s list and to special seminar classes my professors taught in their homes.

I tell this story not because I want you to know how hard I worked or the passion I feel for theater. I tell you this because through life, we are always looking for ourselves. I tell you this because we all need a reason; a mirror, a context. We all need a frame for our story or a stage for our play.

I am grateful for that moment in that theater barn. It is context that brings power: that brings meaning to life.